Harold's Story.
H. (Harold) Beckett is listed on St. Mary’s R.o.H. There is a E. (Ernest) Beckett not listed on the “R.o.H.” but was mentioned in a Guardian article with his own story. These lads do not appear to be related. Ernest will be added indue course.
The 1911 census records the name Harry, as does the attestation documents, which are available, so Harry it is. Harry joined the Royal Army Medical Corps, R.A.M.C., his regimental number was 77948. He enlisted on the 30th Oct. 1915 in Chester. Harry was 5ft 7in tall had a girth of 37in which he could expand by 4in. Harry was married to Annie, (nee Taylor at Weaverham, St. Mary in 1914) his next of kin, and they had a daughter Ethel born Frodsham. Harry was 25. His home address is recorded as Cliff Cottages, Acton Bridge and he worked as a shop assistant. His theatre of war was Africa, see the travel log below.
The few attestation papers available are difficult to read. The travel log, apart from some initials is fine. The first comment about granted Lance Corporal comes 11th Feb. 1916, then appointed with pay Corporal 1st Nov. 1917 and then retains rank of A/Corporal for 6 months from 9th Dec. 1918.
One of Harry’s Army documents appeared to be a travel log, information as detailed in the table;
Country From To Years Days
Home 30-10-15 26-8-16 301
B.E.F. 27-8-16 20-1-17 147
Home 21-1-17 19-5-17 119
?.R.E. Africa 20-5-17 11-7-17 53
E. Africa 12-7-17 8-12-18 1 150
S. Africa 9-12-18 8-2-19 62
?.R. Home 9-2-19 20-3-19 40
Home 21-3-19 17-4-19 28
Total 3 170
B.E.F. - British Expeditionary Forces.
Another document records that Harold's wife is contactable through Mrs Taylor of Acton Bridge, Northwich. The same document includes dates and locations difficult to read but includes the names Mombasa and Dar es Salaam, then transfer to base hospital, Harold was suffering from Malaria.
I had not realised WW1 was also conducted in Africa so was surprised at the travel log and where Harry’s theatre of war was. Acton Bridge to Africa would be one culture shock. Harold must have been seen to be fit on his return to the UK as he was given the notice; Rejoin in an emergency at, in Harry’s case, Preesheath.
A/Corporal Beckett was awarded the Victory and British War Medals, which seem to take a while to come through as there is a document about medals awarded, dated 17th Jan. 1922.
N.A.M.C. there is 1 card for a Harold Beckett with the Royal Army Medical Corps Reg’t No 77948, A/Cpl. Awarded British and Victory Medals, Theatre of War and Date of Entry not addressed.
Cheshirebmd records an Ethel born in Frodsham/Halton in 1914. Unfortunately the mothers maiden name is not specified in the Cheshirebmd records. Freebmd records Ethel born in 1914, in the Runcorn District, Taylor is spelt badly. They also had two lads, Dennis in 1921 and Clive in 1923, both born Weaverham.
Freebmd record the death of an Harold Beckett in the Dec. Q. of 1973, his date of birth is given as 11th Dec. 1889. Cheshirebmd records the birth of an Harold Ambrose Beckett in 1889 Wilmslow and a Harold Beckett in 1890 Winsford. None of the official documents for Harold offer a second Christian name. Harold’s service documents which states his age as 25 in 1915 so the Winsford lad is likely to be this Harold Beckett.
Research Bob H.